Mercedes has ended longstanding speculation by confirming that it will retain both George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The German marque has been at the centre of rumour across the summer as to who would be its drivers next year, amid ongoing negotiations with the Briton.
Russell had always intimated his wish to stay with the team, but he alleged in the summer that the team had made contact with Max Verstappen, putting his place under threat.
When Verstappen then confirmed his decision to stay with Red Bull in August, it appeared it was a case of ‘when’, not ‘if’ the 27-year-old’s continuation with the team would be secured.
And now, off the back of a dominant second win of the season in Singapore, Russell spoke of his delight at remaining with the team that has nurtured him through his F1 journey.
“I am really proud to be continuing our journey together,” Russell said. “Next year will mark my 10th since I signed with Mercedes back in 2017.
“It has been such a long and successful partnership with the team so far and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead, particularly as we embark on one of the largest regulation changes in the sport’s history next year.
“We are all incredibly focused on making that a success and, for me personally, building on what has been my strongest season in F1 to date.”
Antonelli and Wolff ‘excited’ by unchanged Mercedes 2026 line-up
Given Antonelli’s age and subsequent profile as a long-term prospect, it seemed that, at times, his status within the team would remain, and now he can focus on continuing his progression after a debut year of good and bad moments.
“I’m super excited to be continuing with the team,” the teenager said.
“I’ve learnt so much in my first season in F1, both in the good moments and the more challenging ones. Those have all made me stronger, not only as a driver but as a team-mate too.
“I want to say thank you to Toto and everyone at Brackley and Brixworth for their continued support and faith in me.
“Our focus now is to finish this year strongly and secure second in the constructors’ championship, before we then turn our full attention to 2026.
“There’s plenty for us still to achieve in these final six races and we will be giving it our all.”
And for Wolff, the announcement brings a summer-long saga of speculation to a close, as he hopes to recommence its challenge to win F1 again from next year.
“Confirming our driver line-up was always just a matter of when, not if,” the Austrian said.
“We wanted to take our time, handle the negotiations properly and make sure everyone, on all sides, was happy. I’m pleased we have done that.
“George and Kimi have proved a strong pairing and we’re excited to continue our journey together.
“Our focus is now on the final six races of the year, as we fight for second in the constructors’, and onwards to 2026 and a new era in F1.”
The only missing part of its driver line-up for next year will be that of a reserve driver, with Valtteri Bottas all set to race for the new Cadillac team.
READ MORE – Why Mercedes remains baffled by F1 Singapore GP dominance
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